Changing my Direction

[garg]

Four years ago I graduated from high school and I was at a fork in my life. I was great at both art and computer programming. I enjoyed them both and I couldn't decide what I should really study in college. Finally, I decided that it was Computer sciences for me (I saw the salaries and stuff at a career fair).

During college I held several jobs. I ran a successful web design and web hosting company for two years. I am currently a systems administrator for a building at my university. Plus I run some web sites. Most of the sites that I run are art related sites.

I sold my web hosting company because I thought I should spend more time on school work and actual working-at-a-company experience (I regret that now).

In six months I'll be graduating and then I'll be at another fork in my life. I have been offered a scholarship for masters computer sciences. I could start applying for computer related jobs (systems administrator or programmer) or I could start another business (design and art related).

The main reason that this is a big issue for me is because I've found that I don't like programming for other people. I love scripting, programming, hacking for my own benefit (or even helping others out) but when you are working for a company (like I found out over the last four years of working full time) it just isn't fun. In fact it makes me feel trapped, ill, depressed and frustrated.

The option that I want to take is to use my art talents. I have lots of seeds planted that I think may grow to be successful art related ventures (art sites, art for sale, etc). I could be doing all that and more. It probably sounds insane to some people that I want to deviate away from computer sciences and probably a high paying (yet soul destroying) job to working with blogs, design and art....

My Goal: I want to start generating enough income so that I'm making equal to what I am making currently in the next three months. I'm not making a killing right now because I'm a student and universities don't pay us that much haha. At that point I'll be three months away from graduation so I'll want to quit my current job and concentrate full time on my business. That will give me three months to decide how things are going...

There is a serious lack of time but my websites are running (or about to start running), and generating some income. I also want to start selling some art / designs and I'll see if the business can become profitable or not.

Any advice? It will be very welcome

[FXTraderWill]

Originally Posted by garg

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The main reason that this is a big issue for me is because I've found that I don't like programming for other people. I love scripting, programming, hacking for my own benefit (or even helping others out) but when you are working for a company (like I found out over the last four years of working full time) it just isn't fun. In fact it makes me feel trapped, ill, depressed and frustrated.

The option that I want to take is to use my art talents. I have lots of seeds planted that I think may grow to be successful art related ventures (art sites, art for sale, etc). I could be doing all that and more. It probably sounds insane to some people that I want to deviate away from computer sciences and probably a high paying (yet soul destroying) job to working with blogs, design and art....

My Goal: I want to start generating enough income so that I'm making equal to what I am making currently in the next three months. I'm not making a killing right now because I'm a student and universities don't pay us that much haha. At that point I'll be three months away from graduation so I'll want to quit my current job and concentrate full time on my business. That will give me three months to decide how things are going...

There is a serious lack of time but my websites are running (or about to start running), and generating some income. I also want to start selling some art / designs and I'll see if the business can become profitable or not.

Any advice? It will be very welcome

First off, when you say it sounds insane... keep in mind it only sounds insane to someone who has been societally conditioned to believe that a job that pays well is the optimal source of income and that any discomfort required to maintain such a job should be placed aside because you HAVE to work a job you don't like for a long time in order to "retire." The only insane thing is to keep working a job that makes you miserable when you have talents that you want to develop and feel fulfilled by applying.

You might get useful advice, but you already know what you want to do and just by reading your post it's quite clear to me you'll succeed at it. Therefore, figure out everything that will keep you from reaching said objective, figure out what you'll do in worst case scenarios, and do what your heart desires. If you REALLY want to succeed on your own, you'll find a way past any minor obstacles...

You already know what to do, so do it.

[garg]

Thank you very much. I'm going for it and hopefully things will work out.

There are always those nagging fears like:

What if it doesn't work
What if sales are down
What if this and that :O

But I think it'll be all worth it

[Cassie]

Oddly enough, my mother was just telling me about a television special she saw last night about a college student who was doing something with art design over the internet. She said he was making around $40k/year from his dorm room through ad revenue, designs, and selling pieces. Anything is definitely possible. I wish you the best of luck on your journey.

[Mycroft]

The masters degree would be most useful if you were going the corporate MIS route. Since that's not your goal, then scholarship or no, don't waste your time.

I really believe that programming is an art. So it's no surprise that you're torn between the two. There's nothing saying that you can't combine them though.

[garg]

Originally Posted by Cassie

Oddly enough, my mother was just telling me about a television special she saw last night about a college student who was doing something with art design over the internet. She said he was making around $40k/year from his dorm room through ad revenue, designs, and selling pieces. Anything is definitely possible. I wish you the best of luck on your journey.

Thank you

That's very cool. I hope I can reach that level soon with out having to start job hunting

Originally Posted by Mycroft

The masters degree would be most useful if you were going the corporate MIS route. Since that's not your goal, then scholarship or no, don't waste your time.

I really believe that programming is an art. So it's no surprise that you're torn between the two. There's nothing saying that you can't combine them though.

Yes. I think it would be a waste of time as well. Plus, most of the subjects don't really interest me at all. I'd rather study on my own.

I believe that programming is an art as well. Especially the design and planning that happens before one even starts coding. It's very interesting and fun stuff but only when you aren't being constantly monitored and tested

So I have worked more on my sites. Fortunately, traffic is increasing steadily. I have also gotten some art materials. Let's see what happens

[Dwane J.]

You are smart for following your passions. It's best to try this now rather than getting comfortable with the golden handcuffs.

Try this approach, you like technology and art, correct?

Next time your display your art be sure and have some flyers made up advertising your site. Also,

Collect your clients and potential clients email address and other contact info.

This will be essential in building an email list. Keep these people up to date with your latest works or events.

[garg]

Today I got over 3000 hits on one of my sites Didn't make much adsense moolah though but I got some link backs.

I got together my art supplies again. I practiced for an hour or so. Painted/Sculpted. I had forgotten lots of things but fortunately it was easy to remember.

I planned a bit more on another site of mine. Tomorrow I'll do more work on that.

My goal: In a month... somehow make enough money so that I can change my current job from full time to half time .

Originally Posted by Dwane J.

You are smart for following your passions. It's best to try this now rather than getting comfortable with the golden handcuffs.

Try this approach, you like technology and art, correct?

Next time your display your art be sure and have some flyers made up advertising your site. Also,

Collect your clients and potential clients email address and other contact info.

This will be essential in building an email list. Keep these people up to date with your latest works or events.

Thank you very much That's a great idea. I'll be sure to do that.